Dangerous connection (Freenbecky)

Chapter 21

As the night wore on, Freen and Becky remained cozy around the dwindling bonfire, surrounded by their friends, who had seamlessly formed a tight-knit family in the face of adversity. The laughter and light-hearted teasing filled the air, but amidst it all, Freen felt a sense of peace he hadn't experienced in a long time. He glanced at Becky, who was animatedly chatting with Irin and Kade about the best types of beach shells to collect, her innocence shining through every word.

Freen couldn't help but smile. There was something magnetic about her joy, a spark that drew him in deeper. When Becky laughed, it was as if the world around them melted away. The remnants of his painful past felt distant, a faint echo overshadowed by the vibrant connection they shared.

Suddenly, Kade turned to Freen with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "So, when's the wedding?" he teased, eliciting a chorus of laughter from the group.

"Shut up, Kade!" Freen shot back, his cheeks flushing slightly. "It's not like that." But deep down, he felt a flutter of warmth at the thought.

"Not yet, at least," Nam chimed in, throwing an arm around Heng's shoulders, who playfully nudged him away. "But give it time. Look at them! They're practically glowing!"

Becky's face turned a deeper shade of red, and she buried her head in Freen's shoulder, hiding her embarrassment. Freen wrapped his arm around her, feeling protective and proud. The light-hearted teasing was all in good fun, but it made him realize just how much he cherished the moments they shared together.

"Let's play a game!" Irin suggested, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "How about truth or dare?"

"Always down for a dare!" Kade grinned, leaning forward eagerly.

Becky perked up at the idea. "That sounds fun! But we should keep it light-hearted, okay?"

As they began the game, laughter filled the air, each turn bringing new surprises. Kade ended up daring Noey to sing a song, which he did with a theatrical flair that left everyone in stitches. Nam was dared to tell an embarrassing story about his and Heng's early days together, which brought a chorus of "Awws!" from the group as they listened to how he had fumbled through their first date.

When it was Freen's turn, the pressure mounted. "Truth or dare?" Kade asked, a sly grin on his face.

"Dare," Freen replied confidently, wanting to show off for Becky.

"I dare you to share something sweet about Becky," Kade challenged, a hint of mischief in his voice.

Freen turned to Becky, his expression softening. "Alright, but you have to promise not to blush too much." He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Becky has this incredible ability to make everyone around her feel special, and I admire how strong she is. It takes a lot to go through what she has, and she still shines so brightly."

Becky's eyes widened, and she looked down at her hands, a mix of shyness and pride evident on her face. Freen could see her cheeks redden as she bit her lip, trying to hide her smile. "You're just being nice," she murmured, but the happiness in her eyes betrayed her.

"Not at all," Freen said, his tone serious. "You're the reason I've found hope again. You make me want to be better."

The group fell silent for a moment, the weight of his words settling in. Finally, Nam broke the spell. "Okay, mushiness aside, who's next?"

As the game continued, Becky felt more at ease, her laughter ringing out like music. She joined in on the dares, showcasing her adventurous side. One moment, she found herself dared to dance like no one was watching, spinning and twirling with an infectious energy that drew everyone into her joy. Freen watched, captivated by her spirit, and he felt a warmth spreading in his chest.